Expert Advice on Home Improvement

Amy asks, “What are your recommendations for growing houseplants in low light conditions?”

For low light conditions, choose plants with darker foliage, since they are very efficient at photosynthesis and can get by on less sunlight. Here are some plants particularly well-suited to low light conditions, and how to care for them. Read in full.

Growing flowers in pots is a very satisfying way to brighten up your porch or yard, and it’s a great way to get started with gardening. From choosing pots and flowers to how to plant your container, here’s everything you need to know to get started. Read in full.

Growing houseplants is a great way to start gardening while enhancing the beauty of your home. Like any other gardening endeavor, indoor gardens can be as simple or elaborate as you would like. Here are some general guidelines to help get you started. Read in full.

Dianne asks, “What is the lowest temperature suggested for a greenhouse? Most of the plants inside are tropical.”

The minimum temperature for a greenhouse depends on the types of plants stored in them. For most tropical houseplants, the minimum recommended temperature is around 55° F. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Plants “breathe” by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is why forests are so important in maintaining the delicate balance of the earth’s atmosphere. But certain tropical houseplants can also remove other more harmful chemicals, such as Formaldehyde, from the air inside your home. Read on to find out more about houseplants that can improve the air quality in your home or office. Read in full.

The group of plants known as “Holiday Cactus” get their names because of their ability (with a little help) to bloom during holiday seasons. These plants are easy to grow and often passed down through the generations. With holiday cactus, the question isn’t how to grow it, but how to make it bloom. By following these easy steps, you’ll have your plant blooming in time for the holidays. Read in full.

All summer I’ve been scratching my head over the untimely demise of the concrete planter full of portula on my porch. After scouring my sources for answers to no avail, I finally figured it out… Read in full.

House plants in containers depend on us for food and water, so it’s important to recognize the warning signs indicating that they have received either too much or too little water. Watch this video.

To grow new African violets, use a sterile knife and cut off a healthy leaf as near the base as possible. Dip the stem in rooting hormone then push it through a piece of paper and place the stem in water until it develops roots. Watch this video.

Many fuzzy leafed plants, such as African violets, don’t like water on their foliage because it leaves spots and can cause fungus. Deliver water past the leaves and directly to the roots with a simple funnel made from the handle of a plastic milk jug. Watch this video.